Chinese embassy in Myanmar held a grand reception Monday evening to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

First Secretary of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thrua Tin Aung Myint Oo, other government officials and foreign diplomats as well as representatives of Chinese business companies, Chinese students studying in Myanmar and the Chinese community totaling about 560 attended the reception held at the Sedona Hotel.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador Ye Dabo said "over the past 60 years, the average annual growth rate of China's GDP is about 8.1 percent. China's economy now takes the third place in the world, the total volume of foreign trade ranks the second, and its foreign exchange reserve the world's largest".

"China has been upholding an independent foreign policy of peace and playing an important and constructive role in international affairs," he said, adding that China is committed to developing friendship and cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have given top priority to fostering good relations with neighboring countries.

Relating to Sino-Myanmar relations, Ye said the bilateral relations have been developing steadily and smoothly over the past six decades, maintaining a high momentum of friendly exchanges at all levels.

In anticipation of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Myanmar next year, Ye expressed belief that good-neighborly and friendly relations between the two countries will have a brighter future.

At the reception, Tin Aung Myint Oo congratulated China's 60th founding anniversary, saying that Myanmar highly appreciated the relations between Myanmar and China and adding that Myanmar would as always continue to develop the friendly and cooperative ties in every sector.

The Myanmar leader also viewed the photos displayed at the event on China's development and achievements made during the past six decades after its founding in 1949.

On the occasion, overseas Chinese youths staged performances winning a huge wave of applause.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2009)